(Newswire.net — April 19, 2019) — Probation is a sentencing option that is available in the United State’s Justice System. Typically, probation is only offered in certain circumstances and with strict stipulations that must be followed by the defendant. Over the years, probation reform has been put in place and major changes have been made. Many people are not even aware of these changes or how they could be impacted.
What Are the Rules for Probation?
The terms of your probation must be followed precisely or you could be in violation and end up serving jail time. Probation sentences should never be taken lightly. Typical terms include submitting to random and regular drug and alcohol testing, holding down a job, reporting to the probation officer, and performing community service, among others.
When someone is sentenced to probation, their probation officer is placed in charge of them. This officer is responsible for reporting to the court system on the progress of the individual. They will check up on their probationer and meet with them regularly to ensure the terms of probation are being met.
4 Modern Probation Facts Most People Are Not Aware Of
Unless you have been on probation recently, you are likely not aware of the changes that have been made to the probation system in the United States. Although changes have been made, some still argue further reform is necessary. The following are four major facts some people may find surprising.
1. Although most people know America is the leader in incarcerating individuals, many people do not realize it is also number one in probation numbers. In 2016, the Department of Justice released information that reported there were 4,537,100 adults under probation.
2. Studies have proven probation is not as effective as you may have been led to believe. Dodging jail time and being under probation only reduces the recidivism rate by 2%. For a sentence that is handed down so frequently, one would think there would be better results.
3. High-risk offenders have complicated needs that are difficult to address by a single probation officer. New strategies have been put in place since 2008, in the hopes of training probation officers to be more efficient at recognizing the needs of their probationers. Proactive Community Supervision is just one of the training initiatives.
4. Most people mistakenly believe probation is reserved for first-time offenders, but this simply is not so. The Department of Justice has reported nearly half of all probationers have been convicted of crimes before. Probation is even used for felony offense sentencing.
Probation Changes Continue
It is clear, much reform is still needed to ensure probation is a viable and effective means of reforming offenders. Changes will likely continue over the next few years as states across the country work to improve their rates of recidivism. Without instrumental changes being put into effect, probation violations are likely to continue, sending many offenders to serve their remaining sentence in jail.
Conclusion
The goal of probation is to lessen the prison and jail populations, while still allowing for the right level of supervision. Probation periods can range from a few months to years, depending on sentencing. Those who are placed under supervision must follow the terms of their probation to avoid violations that could land them in trouble.